Boost Your Child's Development with Functional Toys: A Pediatric OT's Guide
As both a pediatric occupational therapist (OT) and a parent, I know the struggle of finding toys that truly benefit a child's development amidst the sea of options available. I believe in a minimalist approach, focusing on toys that serve a purpose and grow with your child.
In this guide, I'll share my top picks for functional toys that help children develop crucial skills, along with simple activities you can try at home.For even more ideas, be sure to check out our Holiday Gift Guide: Our Top Picks of Therapeutic Toys for babies and toddlers.
Boosting Fine Motor Skills for Handwriting Success
Broken Crayons & Golf Pencils: These shortened writing tools encourage proper grasp development in toddlers as young as 18 months.
Vertical Surfaces: Encourage your child to draw or write on a wall or easel. This upright position promotes a more mature grasp pattern, setting them up for better handwriting later on.
If you're looking for more ideas for young children, our blog on Toys for 1-Year-Olds has some great suggestions.
Building Dressing Skills Through Play
Pull Tubes, Necklaces, & Scrunchies: These simple items aren't just fun accessories – they're fantastic tools for developing hand strength, coordination, and the crossing-midline skills needed for dressing.
Beyond Dress-Up: Pulling tubes apart and pushing them together builds hand strength. Try wrapping them around your child's waist for "pants" or arms for "sleeves." Scrunchies offer a greater challenge for crossing midline and core strengthening. Encourage your child to put them on their own feet (watch out for that pinky toe!).
For a comprehensive list of gift ideas, explore our 2022 Gift Guide.
Enhancing Body Awareness & Proprioception
Obstacle Courses: Create fun challenges at home using pillows, blankets, and furniture. Climbing over, under, and around obstacles helps kids develop proprioception – the awareness of their body's position in space – and improves coordination.
Body Socks: These stretchy "cocoons" provide deep pressure input, a calming sensation that can help children with sensory sensitivities become more aware of their limbs and body position.
For more activity ideas that promote body awareness and proprioception, explore our blog post on Heavy Work Activities and Body Awareness.
Mastering Manipulation and Stereognosis
The Mystery Box: Take an empty tissue box and fill it with everyday toys of various sizes, shapes, and weights. This encourages stereognosis – the ability to identify objects by touch alone. It's also a great travel activity!
Simple Activities for Daily Skill Building
Heavy Work: Have your child push a laundry basket, carry grocery bags, or help move chairs to build strength and body awareness. See our blog post on Heavy Work Activities for more ideas.
Oral Motor Practice: Offer chewy snacks or thick drinks through a straw for oral motor strengthening, which supports feeding and speech development.
Directional Games: Use "right" and "left" cues during play to help your child understand these concepts.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you have concerns about your child's development, talk to your pediatrician or consult an occupational therapist. We can provide personalized assessments and develop a therapy plan tailored to your child's unique needs.
If you're expecting a little one, don't miss our helpful Baby Registry Guide, packed with tips for choosing developmentally supportive items.
Interested in learning more about how functional toys and OT can support your child's growth? Contact Tiny Transformations today for a consultation!
FAQs
1. What are functional toys?
Functional toys are playthings that serve a developmental purpose beyond just entertainment. They help children build specific skills, such as motor coordination, problem-solving, sensory processing, and even social-emotional abilities. These toys often encourage open-ended play and can be used in various ways as children grow.
2. What are the benefits of using functional toys with my child?
Functional toys are like mini-therapy sessions at home! They can help your child:
Develop essential skills: Fine motor (using small muscles in hands and fingers), gross motor (using large muscle groups for movement), cognitive (thinking and problem-solving), and social-emotional.
Learn through play: Functional toys make learning fun and engaging, encouraging exploration and experimentation.
Improve focus and attention: Many functional toys require concentration, helping children build this important skill.
Build confidence and independence: As children master challenges with functional toys, they gain a sense of accomplishment.
3. How do I choose age-appropriate functional toys?
Consider your child's current developmental stage and interests. Look for toys that challenge them slightly but aren't too difficult. For example, a young infant might benefit from a grasping toy, while a toddler might enjoy a shape sorter or puzzle. Ask your pediatrician or an occupational therapist for personalized recommendations. Be sure to check out our other blog posts for age-specific recommendations, such as our guide to Toys for 1-Year-Olds
4. Can functional toys help my child who has a developmental delay?
Yes! Functional toys are valuable tools for children with developmental delays. They can help build specific skills and support overall development in a fun, engaging way. Occupational therapists often use functional toys as part of therapy to address motor skills, sensory processing, and other areas.
5. Are there other activities besides toys that can help with my child's development?
Absolutely! Everyday activities like playing in the park, helping with chores, or even cooking together can all be opportunities for learning and skill development. Look for ways to incorporate sensory experiences into your child's day, such as playing with different textures or exploring nature. Remember, play is a child's primary occupation, and functional activities can be woven into every aspect of their life.